One year’s worth of blood products recalled in Regina by federal agency

REGINA – Canadian Blood Services has issued a voluntary recall of blood products that were collected in Regina over the last year.

The agency says the recall is being done after it was discovered that one part of the donor screening process in Regina was not being performed according to standdards.

Dr. Ted Alport, medical director for Canadian Blood Services in Saskatchewan, says the recalled blood underwent routine testing and all results were negative for infectious agents prior to their release.

He says the risk to blood recipients “is remote and this situation is not likely to cause any adverse health consequences.”

However, he says the CBS has strict requirements for product recalls, even when the risk is remote.

The recall dates back to Oct. 2, 2011.

The agency says it has been working closely with hospitals and using its national inventory to maintain adequate supply of blood products in all regions and avoid any impact on patient care.

Canadian Blood Services cancelled all blood donor clinics in Regina and surrounding communities on Friday in order to meet with its Regina-based employees to reinforce safety and quality standards.

“We apologize for any donor inconvenience and encourage donors to continue their generous support,” its release said.